Depression and dependency: distinct or overlapping constructs?
BACKGROUND
Previous research has found a significant positive relationship between dependency and level of depression. The aim of the present study, using factor analysis method, is to test the hypothesis that dependency and depression constitute distinct dimensions.


METHODS
In a sample of 202 university students, a correlation matrix comprising items from both the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory and the abridged form of the Beck Depression Inventory was analysed using a principal components analysis followed by an orthogonal varimax rotation.


RESULTS
Evidence for a four-factor solution was found with almost no overlap of the significant factor loadings for the items from each scale, and with the factors corresponding closely with their respective construct.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings support the view that depression and dependency constitute different constructs.


CONCLUSIONS
The results must be confirmed on clinical and heterogeneous nonclinical samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The independency between depression and dependency could lead to different therapeutic strategies notably in 'socially dependent' type of depression.
Loas
G
G
University Department of Psychiatry, Hopital Pinel, Amiens, France.
Verrier
A
A
Gayant
C
C
Guelfi
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D003859:Dependent Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics